Ostland, Ostlanders or more simply the Ost are a heterogeneous union of Northern tribes. Survival of the fittest holds firm and fast with the people of the Ostalnd, They follow their Pantheon of Gods with much vigour. For many years groups of Ostlanders have started migrating to the southeast reaching the borders of Rividia at the coast of the Obsidian Sea. They have repeatedly harried the Tilian Empire. More recently they have become divided into the Elding (Pantheonists) and the Kveld (One God believers). However with this expansion they have need for more resources, the lands of the north are not particularly bountiful and Ostland Reivers are a common problem for all of their neighbours. This fierce and powerful people wield Axe and Arcana hand in hand, pillaging and conquering their way ever eastwards. However when they do meet an opponent that stops them expanding they will negotiate a treaty and live side by side with them. The have tried many times to expand into the Western Kingdoms but each time have be repelled. Many years ago they conquered Orias in Weyland but they found themselves unable to hold it for any length of time, they are found living side by side with many Orias communities, which is considered disputed territory between Weyland and Ostland.
There are few large communities however Steadings, Villages and Trade Posts are found dotted across the landscape.
The two most powerful Jarls of Ostland are separated by a vast distance; this affords them a strained but somewhat easy joint rule of Ostland. To the west lies Ostagard, the largest city in all of Ostland and the only Sea Port, it is vastly wealthy and ruled by a very young (25) Jarl Jensen Orlsson. He is beloved by his people and considered to be one of the most handsome men alive. His martial skill is almost legendry and he is rumoured to be an immortal… having never even taken a wound in battle. Jarl Erland Knutson however rules by might, fear and military rule, he has the backing of the Tilian Church making him a very dangerous man. In recent times a Purge of non One God worshippers has raged across eastern Ostland.
Ostagard is a modern city and thanks to the wealth of the merchants and them granted titles by the Jarl stands as a testament to progress, very Neustrian in layout and structure but decorated and embellished in the Ostland style. It is a clean city with numerous ale houses, parks, temples and shops. The Ostagard militia in their blue tabards and conical helms are a frequent sight.
To the East lies Auldberg, an ancient crumbling city that has been squeezed dry by is Jarl and his Thanes, now finds its self under the sway of the Tilian Church of the One God. The soldiers of Au;dberg wear bearskin cloaks and red tabards.
Ostland Warriors, Berserkers and Shieldmaidens tend to wield axes, broadswords, daggers, longbows and spears. Metal armour is available but rarely worn unless in the south, mostly its ornate hides and leather due to the cold temperatures. Ostlanders are recognisable by the domed Spangenhelm helmets.
Slavery is uncommon in Ostagard but common in Auldberg and falls under two types. Indentured Slaves who enter slavery for a period of time in exchange for financial or other benefit and Forced labour for criminals, prisoners of war and even though outlawed forced enslavement.
Human traits and Fashions
Averaging 5’6” to 6’6” in height and weighing between 140lbs and 320lbs on average. Skin colour is typically pale; hair ranges from Blond to Brown to Red, black is very rare. Eye colour usually ranges from Blue to Green. Men are found in equal numbers to women and apart from child birth, men and women can be found in any role.
Clothing is usually very practical, hardwearing and warm. Even the simplest tends to have some sort of ornate embroidery and can be very ornate and lavish, colours tend to be neutral.
Masks are worn only to protect from the extreme cold and never during social gatherings. Mask are normally made from leather or hide and embossed to easily identify the wearer.
Men wear their hair short or long and most sport impressive beards; women have long hair, normally tied into a braid.
Tattooing is very uncommon, for males it tends to be thick and heavy typically in blue however with women it tends to be similar but not as heavy.
Piercing is not very common due to the risk of it freezing the skin in bad weather.
The humans of Ostland are racially no different from typical Westerners, but tend to be taller and more heavily built.
Racial Diversity, humans are the most populous race; however a great many Hill Duer and Wild Ael communities are found. Blackbloods and Hob are uncommon and Hob tend to be of the Fey variety. Other Ael and Hauflin are very rare.
Thanes are an elite group of Spell Swords that specialise in wield lightning during combat. Every house tends to have Thanes in its ranks.
Border Reivers are the raiders and corsairs that give many Ostlanders a bad name. Violent and brutal they raid the shores of neighbouring nations, plundering and pillaging. Reivers are made of up Berserkers, Warriors and Rogues who seek security through their strength and cunning to better their lot by liberating the wealth of others. They exist at the furthest points from authority or prey on the weaker nations.
Shield Maidens are women who have
chosen the path of the warrior, the Valkyrie are their elite warriors and can
even be found in distant Rividia serving the Emperor as an honour guard.